This is certainly not a normal documentary, nor is it merely a collection of songs. It presents a good sense of Joe Heaney's life by re-enacting parts of his life with a little documentary footage. I would have preferred a bit of narration to clarify what was happening and more of the enjoyable old Irish songs. However, I found the odd background music annoying.

This film is such a breath of fresh air. The cinematography, the acting, the singing it all comes together so well, Pat Collins cast and crew deserve high praise. My only complaint is that I am just now aware of its existence and that I didn't have the pleasure of seeing this movie projected. Beautiful!

I stumbled into this film quite accidentally. From the opening scenes, I was completely immersed in a wonderfully silent world that explored the quotidian life of an Irish rural community. The awakening of a poetic soul is beautifully suggested through images of a stultifying Catholic education and the tender support of the singer's father. Abruptly, the film is thrust into New York where the poet resides, we learn, after singing at New Port for a festival around the time of a resurgence of folk music in America-The Clancy Brothers are referenced. Irish culture has been monetized and trivialized, but this film celebrates the deep roots in mythic traditions that underpin the beauty of a life almost incomprehensible to our world.